Can a blast of carbon dioxide conquer headaches?

A blast of carbon dioxide up the nose may be a new treatment for headaches.

A three-inch tube is used to send gas up one nostril and down the other. It is now in clinical trials in America after pilot studies showed it was as effective as strong migraine drugs.

A blast of carbon dioxide up the nose may soon provide headache sufferers with some relief

In one study, 30 per cent of those who had the treatment were free of pain after just two hours, compared with nine per cent of those given a placebo. The device is put into one nostril when the patient feels a migraine coming on.

It is thought the gas has a beneficial effect on the trigeminal nerve fibres (these transmit pain to the brain) by making them less active.